How do you choose the perfect mirror for your wall?

The right mirror on your wall can give your whole room a lot of style. Since mirrors only reflect what's in front of them, you need to choose the walls where you install them with care. It's important to understand that a mirror's reflection becomes a real part of your room's decor.

Mirrors have many functions. Use one to augment, define or accentuate what's already present in your rooms, or place it where it reflects a part you really like. You can also use a mirror to enlarge a room or add light.

The three most important elements to consider when choosing a mirror are shape, size and style. Then there's the matter of knowing the right places to hang and install them!

Find a shape that suits you

As you may have already realized, shape plays an important role in defining any room. It can create a mood, accentuate what's already there or give the illusion of something else.

• A mirror with a long horizontal shape serves to accentuate the width of your room, as it allows your gaze to sweep along a long line of mirrors.
• A mirror with a tall vertical shape will draw attention to the height of your room, as it draws the eye upwards.
• A mirror with an angular shape, such as a square or rectangle, will help give your rooms an orderly, sober appearance.
• A mirror with a rounded or curved shape will give a softer or perhaps even whimsical look, depending on the style of its frame.

You can even create a shape by grouping several mirrors together, as you would with framed photographs or works of art.

The importance of mirror size

The size of your mirror can influence the impact you want to create in your rooms. The choice of size should also be based on whether you want the mirror to be a focal point, an accent or simply a background accessory.

• A single small mirror on a large wall will look insignificant. Choose a size that suits the wall you've selected.
• If you want your mirror to be a focal point in your room, make sure it's big enough to stand out in that room, but also to define it by choosing a frame that makes it even more visible.
• If you want your mirror to be part of the background of your room, you need to choose a very large one so that its function is to make your room appear larger. Don't choose an eye-catching frame.
• Smaller mirrors can be used as accents, catching the light, reflecting other interesting accessories. They can also be used in groups.

Mirror styles

Your mirrors can reflect the style you already have in your room, but you can also create a big impact by choosing a style that is unexpected and therefore acts as an accent. While the shape and size of a mirror are important, the frame plays an even more important role in determining style.

• An ornate, carved or gilded frame is often best used in a more traditional or ethnic-inspired setting, but can be used in contrast in a more modern style.
• A frame with simpler lines or original materials is often suited to a casual or modern interior.
• Whimsical frames with a distressed look are well suited to a bohemian style, for example.

Visit best places to hang a mirror

If you hang a mirror in a room, you're adding a basic accessory and a necessity. Whether it's a hallway, baby's room or bathroom, adding a mirror adds beauty to the space and makes it seem more open or spacious.

Wherever you intend to hang a mirror, make sure the view is worthy of reflection. A mirror placed in front of a window will reflect a pretty outdoor setting and give the illusion of a second window. An interesting architectural feature can be reflected and give balance to a room. A mirror can be strictly functional, or it can be the focal point of a room. Either way, it will bring light, beauty, illusion and convenience to your home.

Bathroom

The first place you'd think of a mirror is in a bathroom. Sure, it often fogs up when you get out of the shower, but it's hard to imagine a bathroom without a mirror. The most popular spot is above vanity units or sinks. Doing your make-up and hair is much easier with a good-sized mirror. If you have the space, install a wall-mounted mirror with an adjustable arm directly opposite the mirror on the washbasin wall. This will allow you to look at the back of your head without having to use a hand mirror. If you have a very small bathtub, you might consider hanging another framed mirror above the tub. This can help make a small bath seem larger.

In a bedroom

A large mirror is a must in a bedroom! If you have a big enough wall, hang it there. You can also hang it on the bedroom door, a closet door or even inside the closet so that it's not too conspicuous. This will make dressing much more practical on a daily basis. Make sure you install the mirror with enough space in front of it so you can take a step back from your appearance.

Above a desk

If your desk faces the wall, you might consider installing a wall mirror above it. It will help give the impression that your desk is larger.

Near the front door

It's a great idea to have a beautiful mirror installed somewhere near your front door. It's even better if there's a nice table or console underneath. That way, you can check your hair at the last minute and touch up your make-up before going out. The table or console will allow you to leave your mail and keys when you enter the house. A pretty arrangement of fresh flowers will be doubly enchanting when reflected in the mirror!

Above a sideboard

A mirror above a sideboard in the dining room is a nice touch. If you often receive guests, the mirror will reflect, for example, the beautiful assortment of food you can display on your dining room buffet.

In a long hallway

A dark, narrow hallway can appear more spacious with a strategically placed mirror that will help reflect the little light there is in it.

Children's bedroom

Children love to look at themselves in a mirror, and a children's bedroom is the perfect place to hang one. For a newborn, you can carefully hang a mirror over the crib so the baby can see himself. A mirror hung on the wall, near the changing table, will keep the child occupied while you change him. In an older child's bedroom, be sure to install a mirror at the child's eye level.

Above a fireplace

A mirror installed above a fireplace will add warmth to the room. your room. It will help reflect the other furniture and accessories in the room. You can also hang a mirror on either side of the fireplace to make the room seem larger.